Sunday, June 8, 2025
In 2025, air travel between Korea and Japan has reached an all-time high, surpassing eleven million passengers in the first five months, a significant milestone that underscores the strong recovery in international travel. This surge in passenger numbers is primarily driven by a combination of economic factors, such as the recent fluctuations in the yen, and the expanding presence of budget airlines, which have made travel more affordable and accessible. These elements have together fueled the growing demand for travel between these two countries, revitalizing the aviation market and paving the way for continued growth throughout the year.
More than 10 million passengers have traveled on flights between South Korea and Japan in the first five months of 2025, marking a significant recovery in air travel despite economic factors such as the strengthening yen. Recent figures released by Korea’s Transport Ministry on Sunday reveal that the number of passengers traveling between the two nations has hit a historic high of 11.25 million in the January-May timeframe.
A Strong Recovery in Air Traffic
This surge in air travel reflects a 10.7 percent increase compared to the 10.16 million passengers during the same period in 2024. It’s also a 19.8 percent rise from the 9.39 million passengers recorded during the first five months of 2019, which was the year before the global COVID-19 pandemic hit the aviation sector hard.
The growing number of travelers between Korea and Japan shows not only a recovery from the pandemic’s disruptions but also pent-up demand for international travel that had been delayed for years. Industry experts believe that these increases are driven by several factors, including economic conditions and changes in flight availability.
Economic Factors and the Yen’s Influence
A key aspect of this growth can be attributed to the weak yen in recent years, which made Japan an increasingly attractive destination for international travelers, particularly from South Korea. The currency exchange has made Japan more affordable for foreign visitors, prompting many to book trips. This economic trend, combined with the recovery in global travel, contributed to the surge in air traffic.
The strengthening yen, however, could affect this trend in the future, but the aviation industry remains optimistic. Many industry officials believe that Japan’s tourism appeal will continue to drive demand, despite fluctuations in currency values. Budget airlines, which have expanded their routes to Japan, have played a crucial role in making travel more accessible and affordable for more people.
Expansion of Low-Cost Carriers
In recent years, the expansion of budget carriers flying to Japan has been one of the primary factors contributing to the spike in passenger numbers. Low-cost airlines have made it easier for travelers to visit Japan without the financial strain of flying with full-service carriers. This has opened up travel options to a broader market, especially for younger travelers and families looking for affordable vacation options.
The increase in low-cost travel to Japan is part of a broader trend of more budget-friendly international flights. These carriers have been pivotal in meeting the growing demand for travel, particularly after the pandemic led to an unprecedented decline in air travel.
The Rising Trend of Travel Demand
Looking ahead to the second half of the year, experts predict that travel demand will continue to grow. They anticipate that air traffic between Korea and Japan will surpass the 25.14 million passengers recorded in 2024. This optimistic outlook is based on the strong travel trends witnessed in the first five months and the ongoing demand for travel between these two neighboring countries.
Officials expect that as the global economy continues to recover and people return to international travel, the Korea-Japan travel market will continue to thrive. The reopening of borders and the resumption of tourism campaigns have reinvigorated interest in these two culturally rich countries.
Looking Toward the Future
As both nations recover from the effects of the pandemic, the aviation sector anticipates a steady increase in international flights. Tourism between Korea and Japan, historically one of the busiest routes in Asia, is expected to become even more vital to the regional economy.
It’s also important to note that as both countries push for sustainable tourism practices and greener aviation technologies, the future of air travel may evolve in ways that further encourage more sustainable and eco-friendly options for travelers.
In 2025, air travel between Korea and Japan hit a record high of over eleven million passengers, driven by the rise of budget airlines and favorable economic factors like the fluctuating yen.
Conclusion: A Resilient and Growing Market
In summary, air traffic between Korea and Japan has seen a remarkable recovery, with a record number of passengers traveling in the first five months of 2025. This growth, driven by a combination of economic factors, budget airline expansions, and strong pent-up demand, has put both countries on track for a robust tourism recovery. With expectations for continued growth in the second half of the year, it seems clear that travel between Korea and Japan will remain an essential part of the global aviation landscape.
